On January 22, 2014 America will remember the 41st anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Since that tragic decision, more than 55 million children’s lives have been lost to abortion, and the lives of millions of their parents have been shattered. In prayerful recognition, “Nine Days of Prayer, Penance and Pilgrimage” will take place January 18-26, 2014 and is sponsored by the bishops. (Visit 9Days Resources for Leaders)

The heart of this prayer effort is a simple, youth-friendly novena. Here’s an example:

Day four: Tuesday, January 21

Intercession: For the doctors, nurses and counselors who now know they were wrong in cooperating with abortion: may God grant them the courage to renounce their involvement in the abortion industry and open their hearts to doing his will from now on.

Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be

Reflection: Today we honor the life of St. Agnes, a 12-year-old girl martyred in Rome in 304 AD, during the Diocletian persecution. Agnes never wavered in her commitment to remain a virgin and to give her whole life to the Lord, refusing proposals to marry. Her innocence and heroism facing death helped bring an end to the persecution of Christians in Rome. Following the example of St. Agnes, let us remain steadfast in recognizing Christ, who is Love Incarnate, as the source and summit of our lives. May his love give us the determination and courage to live for him and for others, especially the most vulnerable among us.

Acts of Reparation (choose one):

Go to an abortion clinic and pray, or set aside an hour today to pray for those who are struggling with a decision of life or death for their unborn child.

Pray the Rosary today for someone who has hurt or disappointed you, and ask for the grace to forgive that person.

Instead of donating “old clothes,” offer to buy a new piece of clothing or item a charity is seeking.

On your mark…Get set…Pray!

Would you like to subscribe to receive emails or text messages of this novena? If so, click here. It’s as easy as 1-2-3! (And for the tech-savvy–a free app is coming soon!)

Youth = Our hope for a new principle of life

Do you work with youth or young adult ministries? Perhaps you’d like ideas to help you incorporate the novena into your January programming?